2014 NFL mock draft: Austin Seferian-Jenkins to Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 38

In the first round of the 2014 SB Nation NFL Writers Mock Draft, Sander Philipse of Bucs Nation selected Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was a sensible pick at the time, made even more so by the team’s trade of Mike Williams to the Buffalo Bills just days later. The Bucs’ need in the receiving corps became even more drastic at that point, but Sander had already addressed it.

He’s back at the podium for the Bucs in Round 2, and he’s here to explain why he’s taking another receiving target with his latest pick.

“With the top guards and quarterbacks off the board and having selected Sammy Watkins in the first round, there’s not much filling of needs the Bucs can do at this position. So in comes Austin Seferian-Jenkins, a top-notch physical talent who can be an explosive downfield threat as well as a very good in-line blocker -- when he gives the effort. Jeff Tedford loves multiple personnel groups and multiple formations, but the Bucs lack a truly multidimensional tight end to be able to properly execute that strategy. Plus, another huge target can only help Josh McCown, or whichever quarterback Lovie Smith eventually decides to draft. If the Bucs think they can get Seferian-Jenkins to play hard and focus on football, he could be just what they need.”

Tampa Bay has six tight ends on its roster, and none of them are better than Seferian-Jenkins. He would add the same dimension to Lovie Smith’s offense that Greg Olsen did for the Bears. He may not be a superstar Jimmy Graham-style tight end, but he’s dependable and has enough athleticism to be a receiving threat. Seferian-Jenkins can work in the slot or in line and is solid blocker.